StarTech PAC10125 25-Foot 16AWG NEMA 5-15 AC Power Extension Cord

Overview

The StarTech PAC10125 is a 25-foot (7.6m) AC power extension cord built for commercial deployments where distance between an outlet and equipment matters. Rated for 13A at 125V AC and built on 16AWG wire, this cord handles the power demands of NVRs, PoE switches, workstations, and surveillance rack components without the voltage sag that undersized extension cords introduce over longer runs. It is UL listed under both UL62 and UL817, making it a compliant choice for permanent or semi-permanent commercial installations where inspectors require documented safety certification. If you are running IP cameras or recorder infrastructure and need to close a distance gap cleanly, the PAC10125 does that job without compromise.

Key Features

• 25-Foot (7.6m) Run Length: Covers most rack-to-outlet gaps in server rooms, utility closets, and retail back-of-house installs without daisy-chaining shorter cords — which is both a code violation risk and a reliability problem in commercial settings.
• 16AWG Wire Gauge: Heavier gauge than typical consumer extension cords rated at 18AWG. At 16AWG over a 25-foot run, resistive losses stay low enough that equipment rated up to 13A receives stable voltage — important for NVRs and switches with tighter power supply tolerances.
• 13A / 125V AC Rating: Supports up to 1,625W of connected load, which comfortably covers most single-unit surveillance equipment: a 16-channel NVR typically draws 30–80W, a managed PoE switch can pull 150–350W. Running a single device per cord keeps you well within the rated capacity.
• NEMA 5-15 Male to NEMA 5-15 Female Connectors: Standard North American three-prong configuration — no adapters needed for US deployments. Plug one end into a standard wall outlet or PDU, plug the device into the female end. Straightforward.
• VW-1 Flame Rating: The outer jacket passes the UL Vertical Wire (VW-1) flame test, meaning the cable self-extinguishes rather than propagating flame — a code-relevant characteristic for cables routed inside walls, above drop ceilings, or in conduit within commercial structures.
• UL Listed (UL62 and UL817): UL62 covers flexible cords and UL817 covers cord sets and power supply cords. Dual listing means the entire assembly — wire and connectors — has been tested as a unit. This matters for compliance sign-off on commercial projects where AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction) pull permits.
• 0.33in (8.5mm) Outer Diameter: Slim enough to route through standard cable management rings and rack cable troughs without fighting for space alongside other wiring. Not so thin that it creates a handling or bend-radius concern.
• Operating Temperature 3°C to 60°C (37°F to 140°F): Rated for standard indoor commercial environments including equipment rooms that run warm. Not designed for outdoor or sub-freezing environments — plan accordingly if your installation site gets cold.

Integration and Compatibility

The PAC10125 is a straightforward infrastructure component compatible with any North American equipment using a standard NEMA 5-15 inlet — which covers the majority of network video recorders, managed PoE switches, access control panels, and workstations used in commercial security deployments. No configuration required. It connects to standard 15A branch circuits (the most common circuit type in US commercial buildings), and fits into rack PDUs and UPS units that expose NEMA 5-15 outlets. If your application involves a 20A circuit with a NEMA 5-20 outlet, note that the NEMA 5-15 plug does not insert into a NEMA 5-20 receptacle — you would need a different cord for that circuit type. For surveillance infrastructure planning, consult a PoE and power planning guide to size your branch circuits and cord ratings correctly before committing to a cord run length.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the PAC10125 rated for outdoor use?

A: No. The PAC10125 is rated for indoor commercial use with an operating temperature range of 37°F to 140°F (3°C to 60°C). It is not rated for outdoor, wet, or sub-freezing environments.

Q: What is the maximum load the PAC10125 can safely handle?

A: The PAC10125 is rated at 13A and 125V AC, supporting up to approximately 1,625W of connected load. For reliable long-term operation in commercial environments, running a single device per cord and staying below 80% of the rated current (around 10.4A) is best practice.

Q: Does the PAC10125 meet commercial fire code requirements?

A: The cable carries a VW-1 flame rating, meaning the jacket is self-extinguishing per UL's Vertical Wire flame test. It is also UL listed under UL62 and UL817. These certifications are relevant for commercial installations subject to NEC and local AHJ requirements, but always verify with your local authority having jurisdiction for your specific application.

Q: Will the PAC10125 work with a 20A NEMA 5-20 outlet?

A: No. The PAC10125 uses NEMA 5-15 connectors (standard three-prong). The NEMA 5-15 plug does not fit a NEMA 5-20 receptacle. If your branch circuit uses a 5-20 outlet, you need a cord with a NEMA 5-20 plug.

Q: Is the PAC10125 UL listed?

A: Yes. The PAC10125 is dual UL listed under UL62 (flexible cords) and UL817 (cord sets and power supply cords), meaning both the wire construction and the full cord assembly have been independently tested and certified.

Q: What wire gauge does the PAC10125 use and why does it matter?

A: The PAC10125 uses 16AWG wire. At 25 feet, 16AWG maintains lower resistive losses than the 18AWG wire common in consumer cords, delivering more stable voltage to connected equipment — relevant for NVRs and managed switches that have tight power supply tolerances.

Eden Phillips

The detail that catches most integrators off guard on the PAC10125 is the 16AWG conductor spec over a 25-foot run. At that length, the difference between 16AWG and 18AWG isn't trivial — you're looking at meaningfully lower resistive voltage drop, which matters when you're powering a managed PoE switch or an NVR with a switching power supply that doesn't tolerate sag well. This is the cord I'd reach for when outlet placement wasn't planned around equipment location and you're closing a gap the hard way.

Technical Highlights:

• 16AWG / 13A Rating: Supports up to 1,625W at 125V AC — well above the draw of most individual surveillance components, and with enough headroom to stay at or below the 80% continuous load threshold that best practice and NEC recommend.
• VW-1 Flame Rating: Self-extinguishing jacket passes UL's Vertical Wire flame test. For cables routed above drop ceilings or through interior walls in commercial buildings, this is the characteristic that keeps your installation compliant and your documentation clean.
• Dual UL Listing (UL62 + UL817): Both the flexible cord construction and the complete cord set assembly are independently certified — not just the wire. When an AHJ or facilities manager asks for documentation, this is the answer that closes the conversation.

Deployment Considerations:

• The 0.33in (8.5mm) outer diameter fits standard cable management hardware without modification, but at 865g (30.5oz) for a 25-foot cord, budget for proper strain relief at both ends — the weight of the cord itself can stress connectors if it's hanging vertically unsupported.
• Temperature ceiling is 60°C (140°F). Equipment rooms with poor airflow or high ambient heat can approach this limit faster than expected — verify room temps before committing to a permanent installation in a tight utility space.

The PAC10125 is the right cord for commercial security closets and rack rooms where an NVR or PoE switch landed two feet too far from the nearest outlet — specifically in permitted commercial builds where VW-1 flame rating and dual UL listing are non-negotiable for inspection sign-off.